Fugate says he watched Pickens perform in blackface twice this week and didn’t have a second thought until he started receiving emails about it.

“I’m not trying to be ignorant, but I guess I am,” he said.

The boxing skit at the church youth conference was supposed to teach teens an inspiring lesson and make them laugh, says Fugate. Many viewers didn’t think it was funny and commented saying, “this is so cringy, it makes me embarrassed to be human,” and “this is why the rest of the country hates you, Kentucky.”

Pickens did not comment. Fugate says the church accidentally sent the wrong message.

“I’m not a racist, and I sure am sorry if I’ve offended you or anybody,” Fugate said.